Yesterday we talked about the Lure of Momentary Pleasure and reaping what we sow. I have read several devotionals and heard several podcasts in the last couple of days that remind me that while we live in this world, we are not a part of this world and aren’t supposed to love anything in it more than our Lord. There are certainly times when I have felt unsatisfied, and instead of delighting in the Lord and being grateful for all He has done and provided, I’ve looked to earthly things to satisfy me. I cannot think of one single time that I did that where I ever found lasting satisfaction. Instead, I’ve usually found “buyer’s remorse”.

The devil is crafty; he is a liar since the beginning. So he uses his wiles to tempt us to look to things and people to satisfy our yearnings. The other day we talked about The Fullness of God in us. We all have struggles in life that can make us feel incomplete, but the apostle Paul says we can be “filled up to all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). A “whole person” is generally satisfied with life. He feels loved and is able to love others in return. Difficulties and hardships don’t devastate him, because he is able to go through them with confidence in God.

We live in a materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, and undisciplined world. We’re also a “have it now” culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.

Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven?

When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we’re forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.